Restorative is a style of yoga that puts the practitioner in a deep state of relaxation. All postures are done in a passive state supported by props such as blankets and bolsters. Subtle forms of backbends, hip openers and forward folds are practiced but with no muscular effort. The props help to create these shapes but are set up in a way that the student is able to soften everything and completely let go. For more information on restorative yoga class schedule, contact Buddhi Yoga at (858) 886-7580.
When yoga is practiced with awareness and breath connection, the body and mind are able to relax. Restorative yoga takes this sense of calm even deeper and has a profound effect on the nervous system. The physiology of relaxation is governed but the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). Our ANS is comprised of two parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system is active when we are responding to stress. It’s know as our “flight or flight” mechanism. Our heart rate elevates and blood is moved away from our internal organs into our extremities so that we are able to physically respond to a stressful situation. Our parasympathetic nervous system is active when we are in a relaxed state. The heart rate slows down, our breath is deep and blood flow is directed to the internal organs. Our digestive, reproductive, cardiovascular and immune systems thrive and we are in a state where healing is optimized.
Our busy lives are filled with tight schedules and multi-tasking. We are constantly stimulated by our surroundings or staring into screens. This puts us in a permanent sympathetic state. Our cortisol (stress hormone) levels are unnaturally high and over time this takes a toll on our health and happiness. The mental and emotional feeling we get after all forms of exercise is usually associated with euphoria and stress release. We exercise not only to look good but because of how we feel after a workout. People often feel that their yoga class should double as a workout and a stress reliever – like a two for one. But practicing a more passive style of yoga such as restorative induces an even deeper state of calm and healing than any other workout or yoga class can provide. Sleep will improve, chronic pain will decrease and other symptoms that we associate with mental and physical tension will start to evaporate. Give restorative yoga a try at Buddhi Yoga. Class is one Wednesday evenings from 7-8pm with Mike Blasi.
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